HD comp setup

[Erik Pontius]

59.94 fps is not frames per second but rather fields per second. Two fields make a frame, so 29.97 frames per second is 59.94 fields per second.
Just another way (one of several) of notating that this is interlaced and is HD rather than standard def. It is basically the HD equivalent of NTSC.
In AE you’d set up your comp at 1920×1080 29.97 and render out interlaced upper field first.

Erik

[Steve Roberts]

I’d ask the client why they want that number. Epontius is right, but there may be a reason why they want 59.94fps.

For instance, 3D animation is sometimes rendered 59.94 progressive when the 3D app can’t handle interlacing. Maybe they’ve been told AE can’t render interlaced.
Maybe the client was told that “for best quality, you should get 59.94 fps”.

Give ’em a call.

[Erik Pontius]

Good advice. Always get specifics from your client…a 5 minute phone call or quick email can prevent doing hours of work over again.
You might find out what they are going to be using it in. For instance, if they are going to be importing it into an Avid, it has project presets for 1080i 59.94 (aka 29.97 frames per second).
Interlaced 1080 (for north America) can be noted as 1080i29.97, 1080i, 29.97i and 1080i59.94. Some cameras (like the Sony Z1u HDV camera) show 60i on their LCD’s and viewfinders, in which they’ve taken a little liberty with rounding up 59.94 up to 60i to save space in their displays…which can be confusing since there are ATSC formats that are 60, as ATSC has both fractional and integer frame rates.
The only ATSC HD standard that uses 59.94 frames per second is 720p59.94, and is usually used for sports programming.

Anyway, double-check with your client as to what they really needs…beats doing everything over again.

Erik

[Brendan Coots]

Good advice from the guys above, and I would just add that HD is always upper field first (if interlaced) and square pixel. The AE presets for HD should work just fine for your situation, but this info could save you some confusion down the road.

Also, don’t sweat this being your first HD project. I was pretty freaked the first time I worked in HD, but immediately grew to LOVE the larger space, crisper graphics etc. it’s really a LOT more fun than working in standard def. and aside from getting the settings right, it’s no different in terms of workflow. In short, HAVE FUN with it.